RIDERS from three states will head to Mt Hunter, NSW, for the K Ranch Xtreme Bulls Rodeo on Saturday.

The Bull Ride has attracted a top field of 21 cowboys who will attempt to master the bulls from Upper Horton (NSW) contractors Malcolm and Eddie Gill.

Three of the top chances are Young (NSW) rider Ben Thorp, Longreach cowboy Sally Malay and Bryden Atkins who will travel from Docher in Victoria.

ONE TO WATCH: NSW rider Ben Thorp is often near the top of the standings in the APRA and on form is one of the favourites. Picture: Dave Ethell

Thorp is often near the top of the standings in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association and on form is one of the favourites along with past title winner Jason O’Hearn, of Rothbury in New South Wales.

Sally Malay is originally from the Kimberley area of Western Australia before moving to Victoria. He now calls Queensland home and was a qualifier for last year’s National Finals in Warwick.

Atkins was a prolific title winner as a junior and has competed in North America.

He is currently third on APRA Bull Ride standings. O’Hearn is in fifth place and Malay seventh.

The K Ranch Xtreme Bulls on Saturday starts at 6.30pm at the K Ranch Arena at Mt Hunter.

The rodeo is for championship points so all competitors who place will boost their chances of finishing in the top 15 at the end of the season on September 30 and qualifying for the Warwick Rodeo APRA National Finals in late October.